My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 329 Who is most qualified to supervise the country?
Li Shimin woke up slowly, feeling weak all over and his head was splitting as if he was pierced by thousands of needles.

He forced his heavy eyelids to open them slowly, and what came into view was the familiar dragon bed and the palace's magnificent decorations with carved beams and painted buildings.

The hall was filled with a strong herbal aroma. It was quiet except for the flickering candlelight and the slight crackling sound.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty is awake!"

The eunuch Zhang Ananda was surprised and delighted upon seeing this. His voice trembled slightly with excitement and echoed for a long time in the empty hall.

Soon, Prince of Wei Li Tai, Prince of Jin Li Zhi, Zhangsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling and others hurried over.

Everyone filed into the hall, knelt in unison, and performed a grand ceremony.

"Qingque congratulates father for waking up!"

Li Tai spoke first, his words full of eagerness and joy.

"During the past few days when my father was ill, Qingque was extremely worried and recited sutras in front of the Buddha day and night to pray for blessings. Now that my father has woken up, it is a great blessing for our Tang Dynasty and a blessing for the world."

Li Shimin raised his eyes slightly, and his gaze swept over everyone one by one, finally landing on Li Tai, and nodded gently: "Qingque, I already know your filial piety."

Li Zhi then said, "I heard that my father had woken up, and I felt relieved. I am willing to stay by my father's side and serve him medicine to fulfill my filial duty as a son."

Li Shimin looked at Li Zhi, a hint of tenderness flashed in his eyes: "Zhi Nu, you are well-known for your filial piety, and I am very pleased."

Zhang Sun Wuji stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your Majesty is awake, this is a blessing for the world. The situation in the court is complicated now. If Your Majesty wakes up, it will surely stabilize the country and reassure the people."

Li Shimin frowned slightly, and asked in a weak voice, "What is the situation in the court now?"

Fang Xuanling stepped forward, his expression solemn, and reported: "Since your majesty fell ill and fell into a coma, undercurrents have been surging in the court. Various forces are ready to make a move, and the ministers are arguing endlessly about the issue of the crown prince, and no one can reach a consensus."

Upon hearing this, Li Tai hurriedly said, "Father, according to Qingque's opinion, the world is not stable now, and we urgently need to appoint a crown prince as soon as possible to stabilize people's hearts and the country. I am willing to share your worries and take on the responsibility of regent. I will do my best to govern the Tang Dynasty and make it prosperous."

At this time, there is no time to hesitate. In name, Li Chengqian is the crown prince, but in reality Chang'an needs a heir to supervise the country. We can't let Li Chengqian go back to Chang'an to supervise the country.

Then he probably wouldn't be the regent, but would directly ascend the throne.

Li Zhi's heart tightened when he heard this, but he said calmly: "Father, although I am not very talented and knowledgeable, I am devoted to the Tang Dynasty. If I can help you, I will go through fire and water without hesitation."

The ambition that had been hidden for a long time was finally exposed at this time.

There was no way. If he didn't fight now, and waited until his father decided that Prince Wei would be regent, he would never have another chance.

So no matter what, we must fight.

Upon hearing this, Li Tai glared at Li Zhi fiercely.

He really wanted to beat him up. He always said that he would not compete with him for the throne, but at this moment, he went back on his word.

But since his father is here, it is not the time for Li Tai to question him.

Even if I am angry, I will endure it for now.

Li Shimin listened to what the two said, but did not express his opinion immediately. Instead, he turned his gaze to Zhangsun Wuji: "Wuji, what do you think?"

In fact, Li Shimin had long been aware of Zhinu's desire to seize the throne.

To put it another way, this idea was cultivated by him personally.

If he had not dismissed Li Zhi from his post, kept him in Chang'an, and given him the position of General of the Jinwu Guard, how could Li Zhi have thought of seizing the throne?

It's about the balance of power.

In Li Shimin's idea, Qingque and Zhinu should temporarily unite to deal with the prince and thus achieve a new balance.

However, no one expected that after the eastern expedition to Goryeo, the prince, with the help of Thunderbolt, would forcefully flatten the entire Liaodong, gain 50,000 elite troops from Liaodong, and become powerful enough to command his own troops.

If Li Chengqian was the palace soldier that had been led to the Eastern Expedition, Li Shimin would have many ways to make his army lose its morale.

After all, the families, parents, wives and children of the soldiers who went to Liaodong were all in Chang'an and its surrounding areas. A single imperial edict could cause the army to rebel.

However, the soldiers under Li Chengqian are all based in Liaodong. They were brought to the Tang Dynasty and are only loyal to the prince.

Zhang Sun Wuji thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, the crown prince is the foundation of the country. The matter of appointing a crown prince is related to the prosperity and decline of the country, so it must be done with great caution. Now both of you are willing to take responsibility, but I think you should consider it carefully and weigh the pros and cons of all parties comprehensively."

Of course, Changsun Wuji wanted His Majesty to appoint Prince of Jin as regent, but Changsun Wuji knew better that this was a test from His Majesty, and he could not easily express his opinion at this time.

Li Shimin sighed slightly and said, "My illness has caused chaos in the court. Is there any movement from Li Chengqian?"

Fang Xuanling replied, "Your Majesty, according to the spy report, Li Chengqian has not moved his troops in Luoyang, and seems to be watching the situation in Chang'an."

A complicated look flashed across Li Shimin's eyes: "This rebellious son... The contest between me and him is far from over. The court is unstable now, and we must not lose our composure again."

In his heart, Li Chengqian is still the most suitable crown prince.

Over the years, whenever he went out hunting or left Chang'an for other business, the crown prince acted as regent. There had never been any trouble, and the court was governed in an orderly manner.

just now
After saying this, Li Shimin paused, then looked at Li Tai and Li Zhi and said, "You two, do not fight against each other for the position of crown prince. Whoever takes on this important task must put the Tang Dynasty and the people of the world first."

Li Tai and Li Zhi looked at each other, bowed their heads and said, "I will follow my father's instructions."

Li Shimin closed his eyes tiredly and waved his hand: "You guys can leave now. Let me think for a while."
-
Li Tai and Li Zhi left Li Shimin's bedroom and walked side by side along the long palace road.

On both sides of the palace road, palace lanterns emitted a dim light, stretching their shadows out.

At first, both of them were silent, only the sound of footsteps echoed in the silent night, and the atmosphere was depressing and solemn.

Finally, Li Tai could no longer suppress his anger. He suddenly stopped and turned to glare at Li Zhi: "Zhi Nu, what do you want to do? You always say that you have no desire for the position of crown prince, but now you are competing with me in front of my father. If this is not going back on your words, what else can you do?"

Li Tai's voice trembled slightly with anger, and it sounded particularly harsh in this empty palace road.

Li Zhi slowly turned around and looked directly at Li Tai calmly, changing his usual cowardly appearance. His tone was steady and firm: "Fourth brother, don't be so excited. The position of crown prince is related to the rise and fall of the Tang Dynasty. It is not a private property of you and me. Although I, Li Zhi, am not talented, I am sincere to the Tang Dynasty. I want to share my father's worries and seek the welfare of the people of the world. Why can't I fight for it?"

Li Tai took a step forward, clenched his fists, and looked angry: "So you were lying to me before!"

Li Zhi sneered: "Fourth brother is the same. These days, you have been trying to win over court officials and gain support for yourself. Don't you think I don't know?"

"You keep saying that you are doing this for the Tang Dynasty, but in reality you are only doing it to satisfy your own ambitions."

Li Tai was choked by Li Zhi's words and was speechless for a moment. His face turned pale and red. He was angry and pointed at Li Zhi's nose and said, "You...how dare you say that to me! I have devoted all my energy to the Tang Dynasty and my loyalty is known to the sun and the moon. What do you have to dare to compete with me for the position of crown prince?"

Li Zhi straightened his back and said calmly, "Fourth brother, virtue and ability are not just words. Although I haven't been as public as you in recent years, I have also been working quietly for the Tang Dynasty." "I am familiar with the classics, history, and literature, and I know how to govern a country. I am kind and caring about the suffering of the people. I believe that if I can become the crown prince, I will be able to govern the Tang Dynasty better."

Li Tai was so angry that he was shaking all over. He paced back and forth on the spot. After a while, he stopped and said viciously: "Zhi Nu, don't be stubborn. There are many ministers supporting me in the court now, and my position in the heart of the emperor is far beyond yours. If you know what's good for you, give up quickly. Otherwise, don't blame me for disregarding our brotherhood!"

Li Zhi's eyes were firm, with no intention of backing down: "Fourth brother, now that I have made up my mind, I will not give up easily. I will definitely get the position of crown prince."

"You have your supporters, and I have my connections. As for what the emperor thinks, it is still unknown, so how can you make a conclusion?"

Seeing Li Zhi's firm attitude, Li Tai became more and more angry: "Okay, okay, okay! Since you don't want to listen to my advice, don't blame me for being rude. You know, once I become the crown prince, you will never be able to turn things around!"

Faced with Li Tai's threat, Li Zhi didn't care at all.

Things have come to this point, so naturally the brave will win.

Any retreat would be meaningless.

Li Zhi narrowed his eyes slightly and said calmly: "Who can predict the future? Although I don't want to be your enemy, I am not afraid of fighting you. If you are really capable, come over."

Li Tai sneered: "What do you think you can rely on? Changsun Situ? Do you think he dared to say it just now?"

"Or the Grand Princess of Tong'an? Ha!"

"I have been in the court for many years, and all the forces are on good terms with me. What can you use to fight me?"

Li Zhi heard this, his expression calm, and he said slowly: "Fourth brother, don't underestimate me. Although I am not good at power struggles, I am not unprepared."

"You know, I am now the general of the Jinwu Guard, in charge of more than 20,000 soldiers in Chang'an City. If the critical moment really comes, these soldiers will be my confidence."

Li Tai was shocked when he heard this, and a look of disbelief appeared on his face: "You...you are threatening me with troops? Are you going to abuse your power for personal gain?"

"Aren't you afraid that your father will punish you if he finds out?"

Military power is a topic that cannot be avoided.

Li Tai had his own palace guards, but the Chang'an Jinwu Guards were completely different.

A few hundred guards are no match for the Chang'an Jinwu Guards.

If Li Zhi took force to use the Jinwu Guards, Li Tai would really have no way to do anything.

Li Zhi smiled calmly: "I have no intention of threatening you, I am just stating the facts. As the general of the Jinwu Guard, my duty is to defend Chang'an and protect the safety of the royal family. If anyone attempts to undermine the stability of the court and endanger the Tang Dynasty, I will stand up."

There were threats in his words.

Li Tai gritted his teeth, hatred flashing in his eyes: "Good, you are good! Zhinu, don't regret it. From today on, the brotherhood between you and me is severed. In the future, you and I will be enemies in the court!"

In comparison, Li Tai was obviously more impatient.

The main reason is that he never regarded Li Zhi as an opponent to fight with.

Li Zhi's concessions over the years made Li Tai feel that his only enemy was Li Chengqian, and Li Zhi was not worth mentioning.

Only now did I realize that this kid is so cunning.

Li Zhi nodded slightly, his expression calm, and bowed: "Fourth brother, I don't want to go this far. But the position of crown prince is related to the future of the Tang Dynasty, I can't back down. If I offend you in the future, I hope you will forgive me."

Li Tai snorted coldly, ignored him, turned around and walked away.

Li Zhi looked at Li Tai's receding back, and a complex emotion flashed in his eyes.

From this moment on, the battle between him and Li Tai will officially begin, and this battle will surely be extremely brutal.

Prince Wei's Mansion.

Li Tai was furious. He kicked open the door of the study and swept the writing brush, ink, paper and inkstone on the table to the ground.

He roared, "How dare this brat Zhinu openly oppose me? This is simply outrageous!"

At this moment, Li Tai's eyes were red, like an angry lion.

Chai Lingwu heard the noise and rushed over. Seeing the King of Wei was so angry, he asked cautiously: "King of Wei, what happened?"

Li Tai suddenly stopped and told Chai Lingwu everything about the dispute with Li Zhi on the palace road. Finally, he gritted his teeth and said, "He is now threatening me with his status as the general of the Jinwu Guard. How can I swallow this!"

After listening to this, Chai Lingwu frowned slightly.

The threat posed by the Jinwu Guards is indeed huge.

After thinking for a moment, he said, "Don't worry, King Wei. It's true that King Jin is the Grand General of the Jinwu Guards, but not all of the Jinwu Guards will obey his orders."

"Many soldiers of the Jinwu Guard are related to the Five Surnames and Seven Families. We may be able to make them refuse to obey the orders of the King of Jin."

Li Tai frowned and said, "What if the emperor hears about this and blames me?"

Chai Lingwu said: "Doesn't this prove that the King of Jin is incompetent? He can't even manage the Jinwu Guards, so how can he govern the Tang Dynasty and take on the responsibility of supervising the country?"

Li Tai's eyes lit up: "Great, let's do it."

the other side.

The Mansion of the General of the Right Jinwu Guard.

Li Zhi sat alone in the study with a solemn expression.

The flickering candlelight on the table illuminated his thoughtful face.

"Prince Jin."

Li Yifu walked in quietly and called softly, "I heard that the King of Wei was furious after returning from the palace. I'm afraid he won't let it go."

Li Zhi nodded slightly, his eyes deep: "I had expected this to happen. This time I have completely broken up with my fourth brother, he will definitely try every means to deal with me. The most difficult thing now is that he is likely to attack the Jinwu Guards in my hands."

Li Yifu frowned slightly, thought for a moment and said, "As far as I know, some soldiers in the Jinwu Guards do have close ties with the Five Surnames and Seven Noble Houses. The King of Wei is very thoughtful, and there is no guarantee that he will not use the Five Surnames and Seven Noble Houses to shake these soldiers."

Li Zhi said in a deep voice: "Since this is the case, the current situation is urgent and we can only take extraordinary measures."

"Go and ask Jinwu General Lu Tong to come see me."

(End of this chapter)